Illinois Bicycle Law Pages

Sunday, April 15, 2012

State of PA Implements a "4-Foot Rule." Should IL follow?

The State of Pennsylvania has implemented a "4-foot Rule" requiring drivers to have four feet of "buffer" between their motor vehicle and a bicyclist when passing. This is an entire foot (33%) MORE than what the current law in Illinois provides.

The "3-Foot Rule" in Illinois comes from sub-paragraph (d) of Section 11-703 of the Illinois Rules of the Road. This statute provides as follows:(625 ILCS 5/11‑703)(from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11‑703)Sec. 11‑703. Overtaking a vehicle on the left. The following rules govern the overtaking and passing of vehicles proceeding in the same direction, subject to those limitations, exceptions, and special rules otherwise stated in this Chapter:(d) The operator of a motor vehicle overtaking a

bicycle or individual proceeding in the same direction on a highway shall leave a safe distance, but not less than 3 feet, when passing the bicycle or individual and shall maintain that distance until safely past the overtaken bicycle or individual.

Key language in the statute is obviously that there must be a minimum 3 feet between the bicycle and the motor vehicle when the motorist passes the bicycle. But note that the statute also requires that this distance of 3 feet must be maintained until the motorist is "safely past" the overtaken bicyclist.

But would "more" be "better?" Of course it would. Common sense dictates that the more distance between a motor vehicle and a vulnerable bicyclist the better. But whether its 3 feet, 4 feet or 10 feet, the real issue is adherence to the law and prosecution. Any bicyclist will tell you that some motorists like to "buzz" bicyclists and aggressively pass too close. Ideally with time motorist will be better educated. Also, police officers will become more aware of the law and start consistently writing tickets for the offense.

Keating Law Offices aggressively prosecutes cases involving injuries to bicyclists where the motorist "passed too close." If you have any questions regarding this post or an issue involving Illinois personal injury law, please contact Illinois Bicycle Attorney Mike Keating at 312-208-7702 or MKeating@KeatingLegal.com 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All e-mails and phone calls are returned promptly. All initial consultations are confidential and free.

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The Illinois Bicycle Lawyers at Keating Law Offices is the top law firm in Chicago, Illinois representing victims of bicycles accidents and crashes. The firm has successfully represented numerous victims of bicycle accidents and collisions in Chicago, the suburbs, and throughout the rest of Illinois. In the process the firm has recovered literally millions of dollars in compensation for its clients.

The firm is managed by Mike Keating, an Illinois bicycle accident attorney based in Chicago and founder of Keating Law Offices. The firm has handled several high profile bicycle-related cases and is known as a firm that is not afraid of handling complicated bicycle-related lawsuits and claims. The attorneys at Keating Law Offices are considered national leaders in the area of bicycle law.

Mike Keating is himself an avid bicyclist and is the Chair of the Bicycle Litigation Committee for the American Association for Justice. He is also on the Board of Managers for the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association. The firm's attorneys are always available to answer any questions regarding a bicycle accident or crash. The firm's attorneys can meet you any place that is convenient for you to discuss your case. Please call at any time for a free consultation with absolutely no obligation. We are here to help.

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Keating Law Offices is a Chicago, Illinois firm of trial attorneys focused on handling cases involving bicycle collisions and accidents. Keating Law Offices has successfully represented hundreds of bicyclists throughout Illinois who have been injured in a bicycle crash or accident. If you have been injured in a bicycle crash or accident, please contact Illinois Bike Accident Attorney Mike Keating at mkeating@keatinglegal.com or call Keating Law Offices at 312-208-7702. All initial consultations are free and all communications are confidential and privileged in accordance with Illinois law.

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